IV Therapy Remicade

My GI doc is going through the paper work to get approval from insurance for me to start Remicade.  What should I be aware of before starting this therapy.  I just want to be as prepared as possible.

Just take a wonderful book or portable dvd player with you to pass the time. It takes about 2 hours to infuse, but it always takes another 1.5 hours to do the setup and get the meds - at least for me. It was a piece of cake and boy did it make me feel better. It took several infusions to really kick in for me - but it was a god-send.

bob

Yes as Bob suggested bring a book, magazines, or something to help pass the time. It's an easy infusion, and most centers really make you feel welcome. Mine offers snacks, etc., and the warm blankets are heavenly! I always end up taking a nap as I schedule them at the end of the day and I'm sleepy. Another thing; my doc ordered up Tylenol and Benedryl as pre-meds. The Tylenol I still take, but I switched to Claritin because the Benedryl was making me too sleepy to drive home. I've had three infusions using the Claritin, and it's been really wonderful.

As all the others said - the key is just to bring something with you to pass the time.  I usually bring my laptop (my doc's office has wireless access) or a movie.  Usually, I bring my hubby for company if he can get off work.  I do not get any premeds, and the whole process takes about 2 hours for me.  I am usually slightly tired for the rest of the day and for a few days after, but it is well worth it because I am in a great remission now - knock wood!

I just got home from my infusion. I didn't nap this time, as I had taken my laptop and had work to do (my infusion center has wi-fi also.) Now I'm a little sleepy, so I'll probably either take a short nap or just go to bed a little early. By tomorrow I'll be feeling fine.

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I also had my infusion today.  No headache yet.....hoping it won't happen this time!